NC State Extension Resources Latest Horticulture Information Leaflets Series Publicationshttps://resources.ces.ncsu.edu/Recently published in Horticulture Information Leaflets seriesen-usWed, 12 Dec 2018 00:00:00 -0500Commercial Luffa Sponge Gourd Productionhttps://resources.ces.ncsu.edu/commercial-luffa-sponge-gourd-productionLuffa are tropical, vining plants that produce large fruits similar to cucumbers. When young and small the fruit can be cooked and prepared like a summer squash. When the fruit mature, they have a rough, fibrous interior which is referred to as the sponge and is used to make a wide variety of products. Currently, luffa sponge products are most popular as personal care products and are readily available in the cosmetic and bath sections of department stores, discount stores, pharmacies, and specialty shops. This factsheet covers how to plant, harvest, and process luffa gourds in a temperate environment.Wed, 12 Dec 2018 00:00:00 -0500https://resources.ces.ncsu.edu/commercial-luffa-sponge-gourd-productionMulberryweed (Fatoua villosa)https://resources.ces.ncsu.edu/mulberryweed-fatoua-villosaThis publication covers the identification, distribution and control of mulberryweed, an erect, branching, summer annual weed of landscapes and container nurseries that resembles a mulberry tree (Morus spp.) seedling. A native of eastern Asia, it was introduced into North America in the latter half of the 20th century.Fri, 19 Aug 2016 00:00:00 -0400https://resources.ces.ncsu.edu/mulberryweed-fatoua-villosaGreenhouse Weed Controlhttps://resources.ces.ncsu.edu/greenhouse-weed-controlThis publication discusses a number of options that are available to the greenhouse manager for controlling weeds such as creeping woodsorrel, hairy bittercress, spotted spurge, and others. Not only are these persistent problems in greenhouses but they detract from the perceived quality of plants produced, and also are known to harbor insects, such as whitefly and thrips, and other pests such as mites, slugs and snails.Mon, 17 Aug 2015 00:00:00 -0400https://resources.ces.ncsu.edu/greenhouse-weed-controlJapanese Stiltgrass Identification and Managementhttps://resources.ces.ncsu.edu/japanese-stiltgrass-identification-and-managementJapanese stiltgrass (Microstegium vimineum) Identification and Management: Brief Description: Japanese stiltgrass (also known as annual jewgrass, bamboograss flexible sesagrass, Japanese grass, Mary’s grass, microstegium, Nepal microstegium, or Vietnamese grass) is a summer annual commonly found in shady, moist areas, and is spreading rapidly in woodlands as well as shaded landscapes and low maintenance turf throughout the southeastern U.S., Mid-Atlantic States and north to New England. Japanese stiltgrass germinates in early spring, several weeks before crabgrass, yet flowers and seeds much later, from mid-September through October. It has broader, shorter leaves than most other annual grasses; somewhat resembling broadleaf signalgrass or spreading dayflower. After frost, the foliage and wiry stems turn a distinctive light tan in color and persist through the winter. Vegetative identification characteristics include: rolled vernation, a very short membranous ligule, and leaf blades that are shorter and broader than most other grasses.Mon, 18 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0500https://resources.ces.ncsu.edu/japanese-stiltgrass-identification-and-managementLow Investment Propagation / Winter Protection Structurehttps://resources.ces.ncsu.edu/low-investment-propagationwinter-protection-structureThis factsheet covers the basics of constructing a propagation / winter protection structure in a quonset design.Sun, 01 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0400https://resources.ces.ncsu.edu/low-investment-propagationwinter-protection-structureAsparagus Crown Productionhttps://resources.ces.ncsu.edu/asparagus-crown-productionProducing asparagus crowns for sale or use is simple and profitable. Careful attention to details described here is important so that all requirements for certified plant production can be met. Certified plants are most saleable and bring a premium price. One-year-old crowns will produce a healthy asparagus planting.Sun, 12 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500https://resources.ces.ncsu.edu/asparagus-crown-productionWeed Management in Annual Color Bedshttps://resources.ces.ncsu.edu/weed-management-in-annual-color-bedsEstablishing and maintaining quality annual color beds requires a plan to prevent and control weeds. Weeds compete with ornamental plants for water, light, and nutrients, reducing aesthetic quality and plant growth. To minimize these problems, this publication presents a weed management program that should be developed and implemented prior to planting.Sat, 30 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -0400https://resources.ces.ncsu.edu/weed-management-in-annual-color-bedsBloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis L.)https://resources.ces.ncsu.edu/bloodroot-sanguinaria-canadensis-lThis publication discusses growing and harvesting bloodroot, a spring wildflower used to produce natural red, orange, and pink dyes, in North Carolina. It can grow in full sun, but is more often found in semi-shaded, light-wooded areas with moist, acidic soil. The root, consisting of a thickened rhizome covered with fibrous roots, is known for its reddish-orange color.Sat, 30 Sep 2006 00:00:00 -0400https://resources.ces.ncsu.edu/bloodroot-sanguinaria-canadensis-lBlack Cohosh (Actaea racemosa L.)https://resources.ces.ncsu.edu/black-cohosh-actaea-racemosa-lBlack cohosh is a member of the Ranunculaceae family. It is a native medicinal plant found in rich woodlands from as far north as Maine and Ontario, south to Georgia, and west to Missouri and Indiana. In North Carolina it can be found at elevations up to 4,000 feet and is most common in the western part of the state. It is an herbaceous perennial reaching a mature height of over four feet tall and can grow 18 to 22 inches per month during the growing season.Sat, 30 Sep 2006 00:00:00 -0400https://resources.ces.ncsu.edu/black-cohosh-actaea-racemosa-lMuscadine Grapes in the Home Gardenhttps://resources.ces.ncsu.edu/muscadine-grapes-in-the-home-gardenMuscadine grapes are well adapted to the Coastal Plain of North Carolina, where temperatures seldom fall below 10°F. Considerable injury generally occurs where winter temperatures drop below 0°F. Muscadines have a high degree of tolerance to pests and diseases that makes the production of bunch grapes nearly impossible in eastern North Carolina. There is no other fruit with such strong personal associations for so many native North Carolinians.Fri, 30 Jun 2006 00:00:00 -0400https://resources.ces.ncsu.edu/muscadine-grapes-in-the-home-gardenWeed Control Options for Strawberries on Plastichttps://resources.ces.ncsu.edu/weed-control-options-for-strawberries-on-plasticGrowing strawberries as an annual crop on black plastic requires a different weed management strategy than the perennial matted row strawberries. Weeds that have hard seed coats, such as vetch and clover, emerge for long periods of time can establish in the row. They emerge in late fall or spring, grow under the plastic for a period of time, and emerge from any holes in the plastic.Sun, 01 Jan 2006 00:00:00 -0500https://resources.ces.ncsu.edu/weed-control-options-for-strawberries-on-plasticOrganic Sweet Corn Productionhttps://resources.ces.ncsu.edu/organic-sweet-corn-productionMany organic vegetable farmers are interested in producing sweet corn. Organic sweet corn can be grown in North Carolina and throughout the Southeast, but special considerations for variety selection, insect and disease control, economics, and markets must be made for it to be a profitable crop.Wed, 30 Nov 2005 00:00:00 -0500https://resources.ces.ncsu.edu/organic-sweet-corn-productionPole Bean Productionhttps://resources.ces.ncsu.edu/pole-bean-productionPole beans are grown commercially in the mountain counties and, on a limited scale, in a few of the eastern counties. They are produced in home gardens throughout the state. Pole beans are grown for their distinctive flavor, long pods, high yield, long harvesting season, and high price.Sun, 01 May 2005 00:00:00 -0400https://resources.ces.ncsu.edu/pole-bean-productionBlueberry Production for Local Sales and Small Pick-Your-Own Operatorshttps://resources.ces.ncsu.edu/blueberry-production-for-local-sales-and-small-pick-your-own-operatorsBlueberries are a native North American fruit, and North Carolina is one of the largest producers of highbush blueberries. Although commercial production is mostly limited to southeastern North Carolina, blueberries can be grown anywhere in the state if the right blueberry species and proper soil modifications are used. Limiting factors include pH, water availability and cold-hardiness.Sat, 30 Nov 2002 00:00:00 -0500https://resources.ces.ncsu.edu/blueberry-production-for-local-sales-and-small-pick-your-own-operatorsGrowing Blueberries in the Home Gardenhttps://resources.ces.ncsu.edu/growing-blueberries-in-the-home-gardenBlueberries can be grown in home gardens anywhere in North Carolina if the right species and proper soil modifications are used. Blueberries are typically used in the landscape as hedges for screening purposes, but they can also be used in cluster plantings, or as single specimen plants. Blueberries are an ideal year round addition to the landscape. They have delicate white or pink flowers in the spring, the summer fruit has an attractive sky blue color, and the fall foliage adds great red and yellow colors to the landscape.Sat, 30 Nov 2002 00:00:00 -0500https://resources.ces.ncsu.edu/growing-blueberries-in-the-home-gardenCultivation of Ramps (Allium tricoccum and A. burdickii)https://resources.ces.ncsu.edu/cultivation-of-ramps-allium-tricoccum-and-a-burdickiiRamps, also known as wild leeks, are native to the eastern North American mountains. They can be found growing in patches in rich, moist, deciduous forests and bottoms from as far north as Canada, west to Missouri and Minnesota, and south to North Carolina and Tennessee. In early spring, ramps send up smooth, broad, lily-of-the-valley-like leaves that disappear by summer before the white flowers appear. The bulbs have the pleasant taste of sweet spring onions with a strong garlic-like aroma.Sat, 30 Jun 2001 00:00:00 -0400https://resources.ces.ncsu.edu/cultivation-of-ramps-allium-tricoccum-and-a-burdickiiGrowing Asparagus in a Home Gardenhttps://resources.ces.ncsu.edu/home-garden-asparagus-productionAsparagus has been considered a garden delicacy since Roman times. Any home gardener can grow and enjoy this spring vegetable. Asparagus is a perennial. If you plant and manage properly it will produce for 15 years or more. Since this crop will occupy the land for many years you should select and prepare the asparagus bed carefully -- location, soil type, soil fertility, size and age of crowns and correct planting are important.Wed, 31 Jan 2001 00:00:00 -0500https://resources.ces.ncsu.edu/home-garden-asparagus-productionFresh Market Tomato Production Piedmont and Coastal Plain of North Carolinahttps://resources.ces.ncsu.edu/fresh-market-tomato-production-piedmont-and-coastal-plain-of-north-carolinaThe tomato is a warm season crop. With special production practices you can produce your first tomatoes in 60 days. This crop can be grown for production from June through November by choosing the right varieties and production practices. Generally, tomatoes require a large investment in time and labor, but increase in intensity of management is repaid by increased yields and profits.Wed, 31 Jan 2001 00:00:00 -0500https://resources.ces.ncsu.edu/fresh-market-tomato-production-piedmont-and-coastal-plain-of-north-carolinaTomatoes for Processing in Eastern North Carolinahttps://resources.ces.ncsu.edu/tomatoes-for-processing-in-eastern-north-carolinaThe per-capita consumption of processed tomatoes has increased steadily in recent years. This has been due to changes in eating habits and development of new and better products. Over 8 million tons of processed tomatoes are produced in the United States annually. Average yields for the United States are 25 tons per acre while the range is 9 to 40 tons per acre. North Carolina growers can produce high yields of processing tomatoes. Satisfactory color, pH, sugar and acid content needed to produce a fine quality canned product can be attained if tomatoes are grown according to recommended practices.Wed, 31 Jan 2001 00:00:00 -0500https://resources.ces.ncsu.edu/tomatoes-for-processing-in-eastern-north-carolinaLettucehttps://resources.ces.ncsu.edu/lettuceThis publication discusses growing and harvesting head lettuce, the most important salad vegetable grown in the United States. Per-capita consumption exceeds 25 pounds annually. In North Carolina, the crop can be grown as both a spring and fall crop in eastern North Carolina and even during midsummer in western North Carolina at elevations higher than 3,000 feet.Mon, 01 Jan 2001 00:00:00 -0500https://resources.ces.ncsu.edu/lettuce